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Crypto License in Singapore

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Singapore has become a favorite spot for ventures dealing with digital money. This is seen in the country’s crypto market revenue, which could reach US$342.3 million in 2024. This growth is thanks to the country’s strong set of rules. But what do they involve?

 

You need a permit to operate a crypto business in the country. This permit requires you to follow strict rules against concealing funds and financing terrorism. Ventures that meet these high standards are getting trusted more. They are boosting confidence among both consumers and investors.

Interested in more details? Keep reading.

Advantages of obtaining a crypto license in Singapore

A Singaporean permit comes with the following benefits:

Strategic Location

Singapore is situated in the heart of Asia. It provides access to a dynamic market and positions authorized ventures for global expansion.

Clear Laws

Singapore provides clear and transparent statutes for cryptocurrency ventures. These laws offer legal certainty and stability.

Good Reputation

Being authorized in Singapore enhances the credibility and reputation of ventures. It instills trust among investors and customers.

Access to Financial Services

Authorized ventures in Singapore have access to banking services and financial infrastructure. These financial services facilitate operations and expansion.

Global Recognition

Singapore’s statutes are recognized internationally. This enables authorized ventures to operate easily and expand into global markets.

Innovation Hub

Singapore is a leading blockchain innovation hub. It offers access to talent, resources, and opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Investor Confidence

Obtaining a cryptocurrency permit in Singapore signals a commitment to compliance. This boosts investor confidence and attracts capital.

Cryptocurrency Laws in Singapore

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (or MAS) oversees crypto activities.  It enforces rules that encourage innovation while ensuring customer safety. Exchanges and wallet providers must obtain permits to:

The Payment Services Act (PSA) provides a framework for the regulation of payment systems and payment service providers in Singapore. Under this act, digital payment token (DPT) services, which include cryptocurrency exchanges and other cryptocurrency-related services, are regulated. Entities dealing with DPTs must obtain a license from MAS and comply with specific regulatory requirements.

Except for PSA, cryptocurrencies can be regulated by the following laws in Singapore:

Types of Crypto Licenses in Singapore

In Singapore, crypto ventures mainly follow the Payment Services Act (or PSA). Under this act, regulated payment services include account issuance services, domestic money transfer services, cross-border money transfer services, merchant acquisition services, e-money issuance services, money-changing services, and digital payment token services.

 

The latter services – digital payment token services – in general cover main transactions with cryptocurrencies such as buying or selling DPTs, providing a platform to allow persons to exchange DPTs, transmitting or arranging for the transmission of DPTs, providing custodian wallet services for DPTs, actively facilitating the buying or selling of DPTs without possession of monies or DPTs.

 

In order to provide DPT services, the company shall have one of the following licenses:

Major Payment Institution License

Ventures that provide Singapore licensed crypto exchange services at a large scale need this permit. Namely, this license would be needed if the payment transactions exceed the following thresholds:

Standard Payment Institution License

If a crypto company does not meet the thresholds for the Major Payment Institution License as outlined above, the company might be eligible for a Standard Payment Institution License.

Requirements for obtaining a cryptocurrency license

Fulfill the requirements below to obtain your Singapore crypto exchange license:

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Crypto Taxation in Singapore

Taxes related to crypto activity in Singapore are easy to understand. They are classified into the following categories.

Corporate taxes

Companies that carry on a business in Singapore are taxed on their Singapore-sourced income when it arises and on foreign-sourced income when it is remitted or deemed remitted to Singapore. The general corporate tax rate is 17%. These rules generally apply to companies engaged in crypto activities. For example, businesses that buy and sell digital tokens in the ordinary course of their business are taxed on the profit derived from trading in the digital token. Profits derived by businesses that mine and trade digital tokens in exchange for money are also subject to tax.

At that, there are no capital gains in the country. So where businesses that buy digital tokens for long-term investment purposes enjoy capital gains from the disposal of these digital tokens, these such gains are not subject to tax.

Indirect taxes

In Singapore, the following supplies of digital payment tokens are exempt from Goods and Services Tax (GST): exchange of digital payment tokens for fiat currency or other digital payment tokens and provision of loans of digital payment tokens. At that, the use/ provision of digital payment tokens as payment for anything (other than fiat currency or other digital payment tokens) is disregarded as a supply for GST purposes.

The Process of Acquiring a Singapore Crypto Permit

Establish a Legal Entity

To start the process with MAS cryptocurrency license Singapore, you will need to Incorporate a legal entity in Singapore. It can be a private limited company which is the most popular type of company here. There is also a need to arrange for local directors and providers of accounting and audit services.

Determine license type

Find the proper type of license based on what is the scale of your business - it could either Major Payment Institution License or Standard Payment

Prepare Documentation

Complete the application form. Gather supporting documents. Include information on key persons within the company.

Submit Application

Submit the application and documents to the MAS. Pay the application fee.

Review Process

MAS reviews the application. Provide any extra information requested and attend interviews.

Approval and Licensing

If approved, MAS issues the permit. You can then start business operations.

Post-Licensing Compliance

Put in place strong compliance and risk management frameworks. Engage trusted experts, like InteliumLaw, to navigate the regulatory process.

Why Choose InteliumLaw for Your Singapore Crypto Permit

InteliumLaw provides expert guidance on Singapore's cryptocurrencies laws. We handle the application and set up strong compliance measures. These include AML and CTF policies. Our expertise and risk management support helps secure your business's stability. InteliumLaw provides continuous support for compliance and regulatory updates. This support positions your business for success in Singapore's dynamic crypto market.

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FAQ

Is crypto regulated in Singapore?

Singapore regulates cryptocurrency. MAS sets the rules under the PSA. This applies to crypto ventures, like exchanges and wallet services. They need a permit and must follow rules to stop concealing funds and protect consumers.

How to get a crypto license in Singapore?

To get the crypto license in Singapore, you will need to create a local company there and complete the application process within the local authority, MAS.

How much is a crypto license in Singapore?

Direct costs associated with a crypto license in Singapore include license application fees (starting from S$1,000) and requirements for the share capital of the applying company. For example, the company that wishes to obtain a Standard Payment Institution License shall have minimum capital of S$100,000. However, except for these costs, you shall also consider the costs of the company’s creation and maintenance.

How long does it typically take to obtain a crypto license in Singapore?

The whole process can take up to 6-10 months.

Do I need to have a physical presence in Singapore to apply for a crypto license?

The company applying for a crypto license in Singapore must have a permanent place of business or a registered office where the books and records can be securely held. At that, at least one person must be appointed to be present at the place of business or a registered office to address any queries or complaints from consumers

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Bank and merchant accounts opening

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Incorporation of Companies Abroad

Business registration abroad

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